HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR CAR'S "SEVEN" FLUIDS

Cars need a ton of maintenance to keep running smoothly.The easiest thing anyone can do is to check the fluids to ensure your car stays healthy. Keeping a vehicles's  fluids at the proper level sustains its drivability and overall  working condition.Fluids are essential to the smooth operation of many of a car's systems including the engine, brake system, coolant, and transmission. Continue reading to learn about these essential fluids:

1- MOTOR  OIL-

It's often been said that oil is the lifeblood of your car.It is designed to lubricate all the moving parts in an engine's  crankcase.The lubrication prevents the high heat  and friction that results during engine opertion from destroying the pistons,valves and other components.To check if one has to fill Engine Oil, locate the 'dipstick'-it will be near the front of the engine,(sometimes in a bright color cap- yellow or red), once you find it, remove it and wipe it with a clean cloth and reinsert it in to the hole, then slowly, once again pull it out and check the level.The oil mark should fall between the two hash marks on the dipstick. If it's below the lower level, you need to add oil. Before you add oil again, do wipe the dipstick again and check it a second time to make it clear.

*HOW OFTEN TO REPLACE: This depends on the car, manufacturer, and year. Check your Owner's Manual for the manufacturer's recommendations for changing your engine oil.But do check this every 3000 kms or every six months.

2- COOLANT-

As the name suggests, Collant keeps your car running cool.The coolant is inside or next to the radiator.If your car is running on low coolant, your car's probably going to overheat.Coolant is a combination of 50/50 basis- 50 percent of naormal water and 50 percent of coolant.Coolant is a heat-transfer liquid.It keeps the car engine cool and prevents it from over heating. It cycles around a running engine, collecting heat as it does and returns it to the radiator.To check if one has to fill water, Locate the raditor cap,which should be in the centre of the engine.Open the cap and look down into the radiator and see if you can spot the fluid.If it's near the top, it's ok, if not, you will need to add some.Never check the water when the engine is hot or with the engine running.

*HOW OFTEN TO CHECK- At least  twice yearly.

3- BRAKE  FLUID-

Brake fluid keeps your brakes working properly and is by far the most important car fluid.It is a sealed network that uses hydraulic pressure to control a vehicle's ability to stop.As the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake fluid compresses, transferring hydraulic force to the pads that causes the friction needed to stop a vehicle.So if you feel the brake a little off, checking your brake fluid is the first step.To check the fluid level, locate the brake fluid can.It's usually in the engine compartment.Remove the lid and check the level.It should be atleast two-thirds full. If not, fill to the 'full' line with the brake fluid.Always avoid check during the rain and make sure water doesnot enter the brake system.The fluid should be golden color, if it's brown color, it's time to replace it.

*HOW OFTEN TO CHECK/ REPLACE- When you cange your oil/ every 2 years.

4- TRANSMISSION FLUID-

It is used to lubricate and cool the inner components of a vehicle's  transmission,similar to motor oil.They keep the gears on your car moving smoothly.You can check your transmission fluid the same way as your engine oil,except the car should be running when you do it.The transmission dipstick is located behind the oil dipstick and does not show up as high.Always note that the Transmission fluid will almost never be low.It is a sealed system and requires little maintenance.If the fluid is low, it means there is a leak in the system.The fluid should be reddish in color. If the fluid is brown or black, it's time to replace.Check your owner's manual and plan on getting it changed.

*HOW OFTEN TO CHECK/ REPLACE- Monthly/ This varies from car to car and depends on transmission type, normally it's between every 50,000-100,000 kms.

5- POWER STEERING-

Your power steering fluid helps keeps your steering smooth and easy.This fluid, pressuized by a small hydraulic pump powered by the engine, helps to make turing easier.When the fluid goes low, you will feel a tight in the steering wheel and hear  some sound.Normally power steering fluid does not drop too much.So, if it does, do take the vehicle to the workshop directly.

*HOW OFTEN TO CHECK/ REPLACE- Once a month/ Between 50,000 kms.

6- BATTERY  FLUID-

Some cars with maintenance-free batteries don't require checking the battery fluid as they are sealed.While other car batteries,which are traditional battery design, with six cells that need occasional refilling.For this remove the caps of each cell, check the water level drop and fill battery cells with distilled water. The battery cells should be filled till the bottom of 

the fill hole. 

*WHEN TO REPLACE- An average car battery lasts from 5 to 7 years.Usually the battery lasts longer if the vehicle is driven daily. If the vehicle is parked for extended periods of 

time without starting, the battery will need to be replaced sooner.

7- WINDSHIELD  WIPER  FLUID-

While this is a non-essential fluid in terms of a car's  ability to operate, this fluid is basically liquid soap and is easy to maintain.

*WHEN TO CHECK- Periodically check this fluids- specially during rainy season.

All you need to know is where to look and what to look for.We are often told to "check your car fluids often," The above 7-points looks at what "often" actually means.Keep in mind that every car's a little different, but  it should apply universally well.Remember, if you are checking your car's fluids regularly, your car will last much longer without much problems.

HAPPY  AND  SAFE  MOTORING!